Faculty
Department
Credits
60.00
Length of Program
Four semesters
Credential Type
Associate Degree
Environmental Science
Campus
Coquitlam
New Westminster
Overview
Explore the environmental issues that affect us locally and globally and learn how a scientific perspective can improve our understanding of them with the Environmental Science associate degree.
As the issues involved in environmental science are often complex and multi-faceted, environmental science requires an interdisciplinary approach. You'll take courses in a variety of science disciplines such as biology, geology and chemistry, as well as courses in the arts, social sciences and business. You may also explore environmental science courses as diverse as environmental geology, urban ecology, environmental ethics and marine biology. As a part of your education, you’ll go on a variety of field trips, attend field schools and use industry tools such as geological mapping software.
What is an associate degree?
Associate degrees take two years to complete and concentrate on one area of study. If you plan your courses carefully with a university program in mind, you’ll be able to transfer all 60 credits to university. In most cases, an associate degree will allow you to enter the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program. To ensure your courses transfer, see the BC Transfer Guide.
Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies
Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resume and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate.
To participate in Co-op you need to plan two semesters in advance, so we strongly recommend contacting the Co-op Office at the start of your program.
Program Requirements
Curriculum Framework
Graduation Requirements:
- Successful completion of 60 University Transferable credits
- Require a minimum GPA of 2.00
- 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
The Associate of Science Degree - Environmental Science is awarded after completion of the requirements specified below. No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement.
Mathematics courses (6 credits):
- Required course: MATH 1120 or MATH 1123
- Additional required course (choose one): MATH 1110, MATH 1160, MATH 1220, MATH 1223
English courses (6 credits):
- Required course: ENGL 1130
- Additional required course (choose one): ENGL 1102, ENGL 1106, ENGL 1109, ENGL 1114, ENGL 1115
First-year Science courses (at least 24 credits):
- Required courses:
- Additional required minimum 4 credits (choose from courses below):
Second-year Science courses (at least 18 credits, in at least two different subject areas):
- Required course (choose 1): EAES 2607 or EAES 2537 or EAES 2605
- Additional required credits (choose from the list below):
- BIOL 2300, BIOL 2302, BIOL 2321, BIOL 2400, BIOL 2421, BIOL 3205, BIOL 3305, BIOL 3500, BIOL 3610, BIOL 3620
- CHEM 2303, CHEM 2315, CHEM 2321, CHEM 2330, CHEM 2421
- EAES 2320, EAES 2340, EAES 2537, EAES 2605, EAES 2607
- GEOG 2210, GEOG 2220, GEOG 2230, GEOG 2270, GEOG 3311
- MATH 2232, MATH 2321, MATH 2260
Arts courses (6 credits):
Select any two Arts or Humanities courses, excluding Mathematics, English and all lab-based science courses. Recommended Arts and Humanities courses can be found in the Douglas College catalogue under Associate of Arts Degree (thematic focus on Environmental Studies).
Co-operative Education Option
Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation. Co-operative Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms. For information contact Co-operative Education at the Career Centre at Douglas College.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
Cost
You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page.
Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.
Career Pathways
Students planning to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at a B.C. university, who also have an interest in the environment and related professions, should consider the Associate Degree in Environmental Science. It allows students to complete two years (60 credits) of first- and second-year university-level courses, including subjects related to Earth's biology and environmental issues. Students then transfer to university and enter the third year of a four-year Bachelor of Science program. Many universities prefer candidates with an Associate Degree and will accept students at a lower grade point average.
Transfer to Related Degree Programs
See the Curriculum Framework for details on the following block transfer agreements:BSc Degree in Environmental Science at Royal Roads UniversityBSc Degree in Environmental Science at University of LethbridgeBSc Degree in Wood Products Processing at UBC
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Testimonials
Go green or go home
Environmental Science student Christen McDonald puts her money where her mouth is.